Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

This is a super yummy and hearty twist on homemade tomato soup.  I loved all the extra veggies in it!  I took a short cut since the veggies were to be finely diced, and I used my food processor.  It made an easy recipe even easier.  We had it on a rainy day with hot rolls from the oven, and it just hit the spot.

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup
Submitted by Mindy ~ The Sisters Cafe

Printable recipe here

2 (14oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup finely diced onions
1/2 bay leaf
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 Tbsp fresh oregano
1 Tbsp dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups half and half, warmed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

In a large slow cooker, combine tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, bay leaf, oregano, and basil (if using fresh oregano and basil; if using dried oregano and basil add those two ingredients in the last hour of cook time). Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

About an hour before serving prepare a roux: Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour; stir constantly with a whisk for 5 to 7 minutes.  Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup from the slow cooker.  Add another 3 cups soup and stir until smooth.

Add all back into the slow cooker.  Stir and add Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper.  Cover and cook on low for another hour until ready to serve.  I like to puree the soup in the blender at this point for a smoother consistency.  (Remember to remove the bay leaf before blending.) Garnish with Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Adapted from: 365daysofcrockpot.com